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Organisationseinheit der BAM
One of the more difficult tasks for structural health monitoring is the continuous evaluation of the stability and load capacity of the building materials. This knowledge can be won, e.g., by taking material samples at the examining place with the drawback of partly destroying the structure. To avoid this, modern sensor and communication technologies offer promising methods for non-destructive testing. To address the tasks for monitoring of concrete structures, in the presented study, different sensors were combined with RFID transponders and embedded in concrete components.
Completely embedded sensor systems for long-term
operation offer innovative possibilities for structural health
monitoring of concrete structures. Measuring of relevant
parameters, e.g., temperature, humidity, or indication of
corrosion can be performed with low energy sensors. This allows
to implement passive RFID sensor systems without cable
connection and battery, which are power supplied exclusively by
the electromagnetic field from the external reader device. To
evaluate characteristics and conditions of this concept, a
systematical investigation of the transmission characteristics with
variation of relevant parameters, as communication frequency,
installation depth, type of concrete, moisture content, etc. is
currently carried out in an interdisciplinary research project at
BAM. First results are presented in this paper.
Embedded wireless sensor systems for long-term SHM and corrosion detection in concrete components
(2017)
State-of-the-art communication standards like RFID and Bluetooth Low Energy enable the development of sensor systems which can be completely embedded into concrete components for long-term SHM and early damage detection. Objective of the project KonSens which is carried out at BAM is the development, implementation, and validation of sensors for measuring of Parameters relevant for corrosion, like moisture, pH value, and electrical conductivity, inside steel reinforced concrete components. The primarily addressed application is detection and evaluation of corrosion processes in concrete bridges.
In contrast to cable connected sensors, embedded wireless sensors avoid any pathways for intrusion of moisture and chemicals, e.g., chlorides which could trigger corrosion activity. To allow for long-term, ideally life-time operation, the once embedded sensor systems must work highly energy efficient. One option are passive RFID sensor systems, which work without battery. The energy is transmitted to the system through the electromagnetic field, even to operate sensors. A crucial parameter is the transmission depth in concrete. First experiments with RFID sensors working at frequencies of 13.56 MHz (HF) and 868 MHz (UHF) embedded in concrete specimen resulted positive for transmission depths of up to 13 cm, which is quite promising, considering that corrosion would appear first at the top level of rebars.
A second generation of passive RFID sensor systems has been implemented with improved antenna design. Current experiments using these systems focus on the Transmission characteristics in terms of transmission depths and the impact of concrete moisture. Low-energy humidity sensors are used and analysed regarding their capability for measuring the material moisture. Additionally, a relation between transmitted power to the embedded sensor and the moisture content of the concrete specimen caused by energy absorption can be presumed and is under systematic investigation.
Damages in infrastructure due to moisture amount to billions of Euros every year. For a more predictive structural health monitoring in civil engineering, the detection and monitoring of hazardous moisture in steel reinforced concrete constructions is of high interest. The sensors have to be wireless, elsewise they weaken the concrete cover of the rebars. The lifetime of such constructions is normally decades, thus the sensors have to be battery-free and fully passive. Considering these requirements, passive RFID-based sensors are developed. Communication and energy supply are realized wireless via the electromagnetic field of a RFID transmitter. The passive RFIDbased sensors are embedded into the concrete to enable the monitoring of moisture transport in porous materials. Results of the hydration process are shown.
This paper is a further research on the topic of the complete embedding of radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors in concrete. The focus is on the antenna of the transponder. Earlier investigations of different RFID technologies, embedded in concrete, showed a difference in energy transmission. The transmission through concrete at ultra high frequency (UHF), in spite of the large signal range, does not match the targeted application specific task. Therefore, the antenna characteristics have been examined more closely. The antenna is an important component for the application of RFID. Through the antenna, energy and data transfer takes place, so it is important to design an optimal antenna to accomplish a maximum embedding depths in concrete. To identify the optimal antenna geometry, different UHF antenna types were selected and investigated. An experimental comparison was performed to gain more information about the damping behavior and antenna characteristics in concrete.
This paper deals with the development and investi-gation of a volatile organic compound (VOC) system for differ-ent scenarios. The integrated multi-sensor unit can detect dif-ferent gases through the integrated 3-fold VOC sensor, where-by a continuous measurement takes place. The system-integrated flow control, with pump and flow sensor, allows the gas molecules to be transported directly to the VOC sensor. The entire measurement is permanently stored on an integrat-ed Secure Digital (SD) card. If the previously determined limit range is exceeded, an alarm is generated. Due to the combina-tion of different components, numerous applications are possi-ble. The system is the first step or a tool towards further devel-opments in the field of gas sensors and is primarily used for the validation of chemically based gas sensors, and it is still largely extended by application-specific influences.
Piezoresistive accelerometers use a strain-sensing element, generally made of semiconductor material, e.g., silicon to convert the mechanical motion into an electrical signal. This element is usually designed in form of a cantilever beam loaded with a mass. Acceleration causes bending of the beam, which produces a change of electrical resistance proportional to the applied acceleration.
Main advantages of piezoresistive accelerometers in comparison to other types, e.g., piezoelectric and capacitive, is their robust and highly dynamic behavior, which qualifies them for application in high impact shock applications. Mechanical damping is typically implemented with silicon oil in a way that the output signal is undistorted over a wide frequency range. These characteristics principally qualify them for the application in drop tests carried out at BAM, for which they are calibrated over the frequency range from 1 to 4 kHz. However, using silicon oil for damping, has the drawback of temperature dependent change of its viscosity, leading to temperature dependent deviation of the accelerometer’s sensitivity.
This study presents experimental results of the temperature behavior of a piezoresistive accelerometer with a dynamic range up to ±5000 g.
This type of accelerometer is applied for drop tests which are partially performed at temperatures of -40 or +100 °C.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has become very important in today's rapidly developing time. High buildings, large bridges and complex technical structures need to be monitored continuously and this over long periods.
Visual monitoring cannot evaluate the internal condition of building structures. Thus, material embedded sensors are needed. Cable connection of these sensors pose the disadvantage of weak spots and water intrusion. For concrete embedded sensors the use of batteries is not convenient, because of limited lifetime, difficult charging, and generation of electrical waste.. Hence, monitoring should be implemented preferentially with firmly embedded passive RFID sensor modules. However, since the concrete structure forms an electromagnetically reflective and absorbing barrier, only limited energy can be transmitted to the module. This project requires a highly energy-saving system, which can record different sensor parameters at critical points.
This paper describes a wireless mobile prototype able to perform optical measurements by means of a miniatur-ized spectrometer for low light analysis, e.g. fluorescent sensors. Evaluations, calculations, calibration management and result display are performed by a computer or a standard tablet. The device was designed primarily to detect traces of oil in drinking or ground water and for the analyses of crude oils. However, it can also address a wide range of fluorescent sensors. The fast and user-friendly inspection of water quality or oil properties, as well as the adaptability and mobility, make the device attractive for a variety of users. Further application areas could be easily imple-mented by adapting the optics and the software (database, data processing and calibration plots, etc.)
To quantify the moisture in concrete, RFID based humidity sensors are embedded. Passive high frequency, ultra-high frequency RFID tags as well as active Bluetooth sensors are tested. After concreting, all sensors measure the corresponding relative humidity to monitor the concrete moisture. Two case studies are performed, embedding in an existing construction, i.e. the duraBASt test bridge, and embedding in cement based mortar in the laboratory. As basis for robust and long-life sensors in alkaline concrete, different casing materials are tested. Furthermore, signal strength measurements and their sensitivity to different moisture levels are performed.
Long-term completely embedded sensor systems offer innovative possibilities for structural health monitoring of concrete structures. Measuring of relevant parameters, e.g., temperature, humidity, or indication of corrosion can be performed with low energy sensors. This allows to implement passive RFID sensor systems without cable connection and battery, which are power supplied exclusively by the electromagnetic field from the external reader device. To evaluate characteristics and conditions of this concept, a systematical investigation of the transmission characteristics with variation of relevant parameters, as communication frequency, installation depth, type of concrete, moisture content, etc. is currently carried out in an interdisciplinary research project at BAM. First results are presented in this paper.
This paper describes the development of a semi-automatic gas measurement device presenting potentially a broad range of applications, noteworthy in the agricultural sector. Non-reversible fluorescent molecular sensors were designed and syn-thesized. Upon, integration into a hydrogel matrix with an optimal ratio of co-solvents, the sensors reacting selectively to ammonia were illuminated by excitation light to produce a concentration-correlated fluorescence emission. An automated mechanical-elec-trical device initiates a given gas mixture and thus simulates con-centrations similar to a threshold value. The aim of this project is to develop a sensor or a low-cost method which can monitor low concentrations of harmful gases and aid in their elimination or regulation in livestock housing, barns or stables.
Increasing traffic volume on the one hand and ageing infrastructure on the other hand have created many new challenges for maintenance and structural health monitoring of roads and bridges. In the past, many bridges and road structures have been neglected, often resulting in traffic congestion, road closure, and increased repair costs.
This research is concerned with the development of a system to improve the challenge of maintenance and early detection of damage, particularly moisture penetration and corrosion of steel reinforced concrete components. The objective is to develop a method that will also work after 30 years and longer. Many new IoT solutions are equipped with internal energy storage elements (accumulators or batteries) which are inappropriate here, since most relevant signs of concrete degradation occur after decades, where the functioning of such elements are more than questionable. The presented technology approach uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) and enables connectivity to sensors. It offers the advantage of an passive, completely independent energy supply without any energy storage components.
Since the system should be permanently embedded in concrete, it is crucial to develop a long-term stable device which is adapted to the environmental influences of the structure, e.g., long-term resistance in very alkaline environment of pH 13. In numerous experiments, the robustness of the system was tested and evaluated. Various tests with encapsulations to protect the electronics were performed, and for long-term validation different concrete specimens were instrumented with RFID-sensor-systems. Their operating time is now around two years and investigations for signs of fatigue and damage to the encapsulation and the electronics are ongoing.
The present paper describes the development of a sensor material that changes its fluorescence in the presence of gaseous ammonia in a relevant concentration range. The implementation into a semi-automatic gas measurement device enables low-cost, precise, simple and fast monitoring of low con-centrations of harmful gases, like ammonia, and hence can help to improve the climate monitoring in livestock housing, barns or stables.
Design and Implementation of Smart Multisensor Monitoring System for Safe Workplaces with LoRaWAN
(2020)
This project addresses the application of safe workplaces in offices and chemical laboratories where indoor air quality plays an important role. The LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is used as a communication interface to make important sensor data globally accessible. The goal of the development is to create a sensor node and an online and offline solution that collects the data from the sensor nodes and stores it on a local server or in a cloud. In cooperation with the companies WISTA GmbH and IONOS, a test sensor network is going to be established in the Berlin-Adlershof area.
This project addresses the application of safe and healthy workplaces in offices, chemical laboratories and other workplaces where indoor air quality plays an important role. The LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is used as a communication interface to make sensor data globally accessible.
The objectives of the project are to create a sensor node and an online and offline system that collects the data from the sensor nodes and stores it on a local server, in a cloud, and also locally on the node to prevent communication failures. An important point in this project is the development of the sensor nodes and the placement of these in the premises, thus no development work is involved in Building the infrastructure.
In the present paper the development of a semi-automated device for long-term monitoring of gaseous ammonia is described. A sensor material was produced that changes its optical properties in the pres-ence of low concentrations of ammonia in air. The implementation into an electronic device enables precise, simple, economic and fast monitoring of low concentrations of harmful gases, like ammonia, and hence can help to improve the climate monitoring in livestock housing, barns or stables.
In many cases, science falls back on self-developed prototype systems, which are used and developed for the measurement and execution of the tasks. About 80 % of the development is based on the same hardware design, which is used in only one application scenario and then discarded. For the most part, there are also uncalibrated sensors, since it is costly to calibrate a complicated sensor measurement system or the entire measurement chain since access to the sensor systems is not always available. This paper describes a conceptual design to implement a versatile sensor system with the motivation to fuse the data recording and data reception, which can cover large areas with the help of LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology. To overcome disadvantages of LoRaWAN, namely the slow data rates, the proposed sensor system can also cover smaller areas with the widespread WiFi technology. An enormous advantage over individual complete systems in the form of a prototype, is the rapid expansion, uncomplicated calibration of the individual sensors and the ecological relief.
A modular design is used, where individual stacks with sensors and peripherals can be added separately. The stacks are standalone low-power systems and can be calibrated, maintained, and replaced separately and do not require the entire measurement chain. The measured and sent values are stored locally on the main stack and sent to the data collector (gateway) and evaluated by means of the automated selection between WiFi and LoRaWAN.
Implementation and validation of robot-enabled embedded sensors for structural health monitoring
(2024)
In the past decades, structural health monitoring (SHM) has matured into a viable supplement to regular inspections, facilitating the execution of repair and maintenance work in the early stages of structural damage. With the advent of wireless technologies and advancements in information and communication technologies, civil infrastructure has been increasingly instrumented with wireless sensor nodes to record, analyze, and communicate data relevant to SHM. A promising method for SHM is to embed sensors directly into concrete for recording SHM data from inside structural elements. In this paper, a sensor system for embedment into concrete is proposed, able to assess SHM data recorded from concrete. Power is supplied to the sensors on-demand by quadruped robots, which also collect the SHM data via radio-frequency identification (RFID), providing an automated and efficient SHM process. In laboratory experiments, the capability of the sensor system of automatically collecting the SHM data using quadruped robots is validated. In summary, the integration of RFID technology and robot-based inspection presented in this study demonstrates a vital approach to evolve current SHM practices towards more digitalized and automated SHM.
QI-Digital is a joined project aiming at digitalising Quality Infrastructure (QI) processes involving standardization, conformity assessment, accreditation, metrology, and market surveillance [1]. Federal institute of material research and testing (BAM) is working on the creation of a digital calibration certifi-cate (DCC) to achieve digital metrological traceability and conformity assessment. The utilisation of machine readable and executable DCCs in the XML format is demonstrated on an example of a tem-perature measurement at a hydrogen refueling station. The certificates will be retrieved and analysed automatically at a Process Control System or at a Digital Twin.